Dear Ginger: How do you rest, practically speaking?

I just read your “One Thing” post, and I realized that I have been struggling with this all summer. I have been taking two online summer courses to get ahead in my math and science. I was doing great until they pushed my due date back two weeks AFTER the middle of summer had gone by. Now I feel like Martha. I have to work and work and work until everything is done. I just don’t know how I can relax and let God help me when obviously he isn’t going to log onto my account and do my homework for me. Help please?

Thanks! – A

Dear A,

Thank you so much for such an important question! Not only do I identify with your struggle, I’m also trying to work out the solution in my own life as we speak. Last week we talked about the importance of rest, but you’re right, I didn’t offer up much in the way of any practical solutions.

I keep thinking life is going to calm down and then I will be able to rest, but I don’t think it works that way. I have to seek out rest even in the midst of the craziness of schedules. Sometimes that’s going to look like saying “no,” but sometimes it’s going to require us to find peace and rest IN the busyness.

I hope you’ll drop in each day as we discuss practicing Sabbath, taking pauses, and resting from worry.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29, The Message)